Pakistan forces neutralize 22 Indian sponsored terrorists in Bannu

RAWALPINDI – Security forces have neutralized 22 terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna-ul-Kharij, during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation was carried out on November 20 following information about the presence of terrorists.

It said the troops effectively located the terrorists and killed 22 in a fierce exchange of fire.

The clearance operation is being carried out to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored foreigner found in the area, as the continuous counter-terrorism campaign by the security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan under the vision of “Great Perseverance” will continue at full speed and support and backing of the foreign country to stop terrorism will continue, the army’s media wing concluded.

The operation came on the same day that a group of suicide bombers attacked the FC headquarters in Peshawar on Monday.

The attack, which took place just after 8am during a weekly assembly at the headquarters, left three FC personnel dead and two injured. A clearance operation was carried out swiftly after the incident.

Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr Mian Saeed Ahmed confirmed that the attackers could not enter the compound due to the tight security measures already in place. He said the vigilance of our personnel averted a major disaster.

The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The FC, formerly known as the Frontier Constabulary and recently renamed by the government, is headquartered in a densely populated area near the army cantonment, which also houses barracks, a hospital and residential quarters.

Emergency was declared at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) and Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), where 11 injured were admitted to LRH and one to KTH. Meanwhile, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service on the main corridor was temporarily suspended, however work continued on feeder routes.